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Commissioners discuss GDOT RCUT proposal for US‑82 intersection, approve modified support letter
Summary
After hearing GDOT’s study and an explanation from the county engineer that an RCUT (reduced‑conflict U‑turn) reduces conflict points, commissioners expressed access concerns for local roads, tabled the item, met in executive session and ultimately approved a modified letter supporting GDOT's work while requesting an RCUT configuration with short U‑turn distance and consideration of alternatives.
Commissioners debated a Georgia Department of Transportation study recommending a reduced‑conflict U‑turn (RCUT) treatment at the US‑82/Ratcliffe/Myers Hill intersection and ultimately approved a modified approach Oct. 17.
County Engineer Jason Hartman summarized GDOT’s draft study and described the RCUT as a measure that restricts left turns from minor roads, requires right‑turns with a downstream U‑turn, and reduces intersection conflict points compared with a traditional four‑way intersection. “RCUT stands for reduced conflict U‑turn intersection...GDOT has about 55 of these in place throughout the state,” Hartman said, noting the department could implement the measure in the next fiscal year if the county concurred and right‑of‑way impacts were minimal.
Several commissioners and residents objected to the operational impact on people coming from Myers Hill and Radcliffe roads who would have to travel farther or use nearby cross streets to make U‑turns. Some asked whether a traffic signal, roundabout or other alternatives had been fully evaluated; staff and the county attorney said GDOT studied multiple options and applied signal warrants, roundabout feasibility and cost considerations.
The board tabled the formal letter to GDOT and went into executive session for personnel/real‑estate/litigation matters. After returning, the commission moved to approve sending a letter that supports GDOT’s safety study while requesting that GDOT consider a full RCUT configuration with a short U‑turn distance or otherwise review alternative designs and impacts. The motion carried; commissioners also approved related attorney recommendations following executive session.
